Do bad things come in 3’s?

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the current struggles that are occurring in America and around the world. My heart aches and I feel guilty that my current troubles are minuscule in comparison. I am trying to educate myself, and keep the conversation going. There are so many resources out there you can use to educate yourself, so please take the time.

This site has a lot of links, where you can sign petitions and donate to the official George Floyd Memorial Fund. https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#

Some books that have been recommended:

• Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People about Race
• White Fragility
• Me and White Supremacy

#blacklivesmatter

So nearly 3 months into UK’s supposed lockdown, I broke. Physically, mentally, emotionally. No, not quite, but I certainly have had a weekend of disasters, for all intents and purposes, due to lockdown and the strange rules surrounding it here in England. Up until this point I had managed to keep working, enjoy the impending summer with daily exercise, and keep a self-care routine that matches almost all the mental health guidelines at this time.

Then disaster struck. It began with a twinge in my foot at the beginning of a 90 Mile (145km) virtual challenge and developed into full blown agony and the inability to weight bear for 24 hours. With rest, ice, and some stretches, the stress injury will hopefully heal, but not in time to finish the challenge I am afraid. I am certain that my shoes are to blame as I am beginning to see the meshing of the sole due to my extensive lockdown exercise regime. Shoes shops are not open yet, and online orders an almost impossible when my support needs appear to change every time I buy new running shoes. I’m holding on for a June 15 opening date at my local running shop.

This same day also heralded a new and unusual tooth sensitivity that I am contributing to a mixture of stress and possible need for a filling. Again, dentists are not yet open, despite national guidance that they would be open on June 1st. They do not have the PPE required and are choosing to stay closed – a choice I support as long as I don’t require any emergency tooth extractions. I am not one for tooth pain, so this is a new and slightly nerve racking experience that I have managed to avoid for much of my life due to excellent early dentistry in childhood.

And finally, in a cruel twist of fate, now that schools are open and I need to drive to see clients, my NZ drivers license has reached its 12 month allowance in the UK. This means that my car insurance has been cancelled, my car is not allowed on the road, and I am not allowed to drive. All while the DVLA has put a halt on applications for international license exchanges due to COVID. If I had planned ahead and applied back in February then yes, this wouldn’t have happened. However I didn’t, and now I am transport-less, despite being an “essential worker” for whom rules appear to be a bit more blurry. Along with my inability to walk much, I am now unable to venture very far, let alone enjoy the easing of lockdown.

So do bad things come in 3’s? Apparently so. But I still have my job, (most of) my health, and a bicycle that could, at a push, get me to and from schools and home visits, although perhaps not with the myriad of resources I need to actually assess my clients. In the meantime, I will lie in bed with my foot elevated, order pizza delivery to comfort my soul (and make up for my lack of exercise), and watch jealously as NZ returns to a sense of normalcy. At least I know that my family and friends are safe and in good political hands. Thanks Aunty Jacinda. xx